Rwenzori Hiking & Gorilla trekking Safari Expedition.
Rwenzori Hiking & Gorilla trekking Safari combines Mountain Gorilla trekking, Rwenzori trekking & Wildlife Safari . The 12 days Gorilla & Rwenzori trekking Safaris leads to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Combining a gorilla trek with Rwenzori Mountains hike presents a distinctive adventure, combining wildlife interactions, gorilla trekking with demanding Rwenzori mountainous scenery. Gorilla trekking emphasizes the observation of habituated gorilla families in their natural habitat, whereas the Rwenzori trekking entails ascending the “Mountains of the Moon,” a breathtaking mountain region renowned for its varied flora and demanding ascents.
The 12-Day Gorillas and Rwenzori trekking Itinerary offers extensive sightseeing, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the splendor of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the largest habitat for over half of the world’s remaining gorillas. Following the visit to the endangered mountain gorillas, the expedition proceeds to the Rwenzori Mountains, offering a distinctive opportunity to explore the splendor of this remarkable landmark. The 12 Days Gorillas and Rwenzori Trekking Itinerary, featuring the major Central circuit trail, provides hikers with incredible sights of several plant zones, glacial lakes, panoramic views of the highest peak, Margherita, and distinctive flora and fauna amidst the rough landscapes of the Rwenzori Mountains. Following the trek, this Gorillas and Rwenzori trek Itinerary guarantees a leisurely game drive and boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where hikers will observe a plethora of species, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and antelopes, among others.
This Gorillas and Rwenzori trekking trip is tailored for travelers in Kigali, Rwanda, for either business or leisure purposes. Kigali is merely a four-hour drive from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; hence, this 12 days Gorillas and Rwenzori Trekking itinerary is tailored to accommodate travelers following the lengthy journey to Entebbe International Airport.
A detailed 12 Days Rwenzori Hiking & Gorilla Trekking Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your 12-day Rwenzori & Gorilla trekking expedition safari commences in Kigali, where you will be greeted by your guide upon arrival. The journey to Bwindi Forest National Park takes you from the city into the picturesque countryside of Kigali. Appreciate the stunning sights throughout the region of a thousand hills. During your drive, you will pause for an en route lunch before proceeding to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you will dine and spend the night at your lodge amidst the dense forest.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Rise early for breakfast and prepare for your Gorilla Trekking itinerary. You will convene at the park headquarters to meet fellow trekkers. Receive a briefing about the amazing gorillas where you will be allocated a gorilla family after which you will accompany your ranger in groups of 8 people who will guide you to the jungle in search of the gorillas. Adhere to the prescribed restrictions and regulations, since the habituated gorillas remain fundamentally wild. Following the trek, you will encounter the gorillas and spend one hour photographing them, following which you will return to meet your guide. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 3: Crossover to the Rwenzori Mountains
Following a substantial breakfast, leave the hotel with all your packed belongings and commence your travel to the next location via the picturesque countryside of Uganda. Traverse the undulating slopes of Kabale and proceed to Kasese in anticipation of your forthcoming expedition via the Rwenzori Mountains. You can have lunch on the journey and take a break to stretch. Upon arrival in Kasese, proceed to Nyakalengije, a village located at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains. Register at your lodging for supper and overnight stay.
Day 4: Nyakalengeji (1645m) to Nyabitaba (2652m)
Day 4 of the 12 days Rwenzori & Gorilla trekking expedition marks the commencement of your excursion in the Rwenzori Mountains. Following preparations and checkout from your lodging, you will proceed on foot to the park entrance. Following the briefing and registration, you will commence your journey to Nyabitaba Camp, for a restful night. From Nyakalengeji, you will traverse the verdant forests of the mountain, ascending cliffs and several ladders. Following the bridge crossings, there is a steep elevation that requires considerable physical effort, and after this trek, you will ultimately arrive at Nyabitaba Camp after around 4 to 6 hours of trekking, dependent upon your pace. Evening meal and overnight stay at Nyabitaba camp.
Day 5: Nyabitaba (2652m) to Johnmatte (3414m)
Partake in an early breakfast in the lush woodland of Nyabitaba camp before proceeding with your hike to Johnmatte camp. Today’s trek is lengthy, potentially lasting 7-9 hours. Following the passage of the Kurt Shaffer Bridge, where the Bujjuku and Mubuku rivers converge, you will ascend into the bamboo zone characterized by short bushes and numerous trees. Proceed further along the trail, traversing multiple creeks, and subsequently walk beside the Bujuku River. The area near the showers is quite marshy, however remains easy to navigate. You will then traverse a picturesque woodland adorned with trees exhibiting remarkable markings, enhancing the area’s beauty. Spend the night at John Matte, appreciating the vistas of the adjacent gateway peaks, and on a clear day, you may begin to discern Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley.
Day 6: Johnmatte (3414m) to Bujjuku Hut (3962m)
Proceed with the effort to ascend Margherita Peak, traverse the Bujjuku River following John Matte, after which you will encounter an exhilarating boardwalk in the Lower Bigo Bog, habitat of the enormous lobelias. Following a brief, steep incline, you will arrive at the upper Bigo bog within the heather zone, where the imposing gigantic groundsels prevail, accompanied by significant bog areas and little streams of glacial meltwater. Proceeding farther, you will encounter another intriguing boardwalk that will guide you to the tussock terrain adjacent to Lake Bujuku. Proceed with the leisurely hike, which may require approximately 4 hours for beginner hikers and 5-6 hours for slower walkers. This will lead you to Bujuku Huts, a snowy camp situated in the heart of the Rwenzori Mountains, designated by the three prominent peaks of Mount Stanley, Mount Speke, and Mount Baker.
Day 7: Bujjuku (3962m) to Ellena (4541m)
Today’s trek will take you to Ellena Hut, the starting point for the ascent of Margherita Peak. Following a delectable breakfast, you will traverse the marshy paths of the Bujuku Lake showers. Ascend a difficult incline, utilizing steep ladders, and subsequently proceed to the rocky regions adorned with colossal wild bananas and groundsels. Proceed up Scot Elliot Pass, across the boulders to a completely stony region devoid of vegetation, attributable to the severe climate characteristic of this alpine zone. Check in at Ellena Hut, a campsite characterized by cold temperatures that may drop below freezing. Keep your body in balance as you adjust to the altitude to prevent unpleasant surprises. As you get ready for the summit night, get plenty of rest.
Day 8: Ellena to Margherita (5109m), descent to Kitandara Camp (4034m)
Get up early, around three in the morning, with your guide guiding you, put on your headlamp, and get ready to ascend one of Africa’s highest peaks. Proceeding with deliberate and significant strides, you will trek till you arrive at the Stanley Plateau, an expanse, before continuing into the glacial section where ropes will be employed for access. Subsequent to the hike, traverse the glacier utilizing the ice axe as a walking stick. Upon reaching the summit, raise a glass to commemorate your accomplishment, capture photographs, and subsequently commence the descent to Kitandara camp. Kitandara is situated at the lower Kitadara Lake, just on the showers. You will gradually descend through the boulders to a vantage point where you can view the breathtaking beauty of the twin lakes of Kitandara, and when arriving at the camp, immerse yourself in the lake’s magnificence.
Day 9: Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut (3,505 meters)
Awaken early and commence the descent that will ultimately get you out of Rwenzori National Park. Following a rigorous hike from Kitandara camp, you will arrive at Freshfield Pass, where the summits of Mount Baker and Mount Luigi become visible; from this vantage point, where Congo may be easily observed. The hike will traverse rocky slopes, followed by an approach to tussocks with bog. Traverse the region by descending the precipitous cliffs and the Bujongolo rock shelter. You will then arrive to the camp at Guyeoman, where dinner and overnight accommodations will be provided in a hut.
Day 10: Guyeoman (3505m) via Nyabitaba to Nyakalengeji (1645m)
The last days of the Rwenzori trekking expedition has arrived; you will commence with an early breakfast and proceed on your journey to Nyakalengeji. Proceed past the Kichuchu cliffs and traverse the bamboo forest. You will have lunch at Nyabitaba Camp prior to commencing your descent to Nyakalengeji. Upon traversing the dense forests, you will encounter your guide, who will escort you to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may rest for supper and an overnight stay.
Day 11: Wildlife excursion and aquatic expedition
The day commences with an early morning game drive to witness the dawn at Queen Elizabeth National Park. With a packed breakfast, you will proceed to the park to observe its renowned inhabitants, including the iconic big four: lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. It is an opportune moment for observing wildlife as the animals commence their day in the savannah grasslands. Queen Elizabeth is renowned for her tree-climbing lions, which may be observed during your game drive, if fortunate. Following the wildlife drive, you will partake in breakfast in the forest prior to returning to your lodge. In the afternoon, prepare for an exhilarating boat ride on the Kazinga Channel, the waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. While navigating the channel, you will observe various species seeking respite from the intense sun, including baboons, elephants, and aquatic creatures such as hippos and crocodiles, among others.
Day 12: Departure to Kigali Airport
Depart early in the morning and, following breakfast, say goodbye to Queen Elizabeth National Park as you transfer to Kigali International Airport in preparation for your flight. The voyage lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours, including a stop at Kabale for a cooked lunch. If time permits before your trip, you can explore Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, by touring its bustling markets and sampling local food. Your 12-Day Gorillas and Rwenzori Trekking Itinerary Guide concludes. Allocate time to contemplate the memories and the experiences you have acquired during this exhilarating 12 Days Gorillas and Rwenzori Trekking Itinerary.
Conclusion of the 12-Day Gorillas and Rwenzori Trekking Itinerary